Tennessee just got a massive opportunity, and the national spotlight could be blindingly bright on Knoxville
The Vols’ matchup against the Texas Longhorns could have even more eyeballs on it on Sept. 26.
The Tennessee Vols took care of business in convincing fashion on Saturday night in Atlanta, rolling over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 45-24.
It was a game that had been circled by some as a swing game for the season for Josh Heupel, and he and his team clearly answered the bell with a convincing victory. Tennessee took the lead quickly, with Faizon Brandon connecting with tight end Ethan Davis on a 25-yard touchdown pass less than two minutes into the game. After Tech took the lead 10-7 on a blocked punt returned for a touchdown, Tennessee went on a 21-3 run to take control of the game 31-10, and they led by no less than 14 points the rest of the way.
Now, the Vols should be set to move up in the polls this week after a notable pair of upsets on Saturday. Oregon lost at Oklahoma State (who lost last week to Tulsa) 39-31. Oklahoma was abysmal offensively in a 17-10 loss at Michigan. Both teams could fall below Tennessee.
And that could potentially set up a marquee top 15/16 matchup between likely new No. 1 Texas — who rallied to defeat then-No. 1 Ohio State 24-23 on Saturday night — and Tennessee on Saturday, Sept. 26. And despite the noon kickoff, there’s at least a chance it could bring ESPN College Gameday with them.
Tennessee will get to take on likely No. 1 Texas on Sept. 26, and ESPN College Gameday could be there
It goes without question that getting a shot at the number one team at the country is an enormous opportunity, and Tennessee will almost assuredly have it. It’s hard not to see Texas leapfrogging everyone to the top spot after knocking off the Buckeyes.
Texas gets UT-San Antonio on Saturday, so they will almost certainly remain undefeated, and the Vols have Kennesaw State on deck. So, both “UTs” very likely remain undefeated going into that matchup at Neyland Stadium in two Saturdays.
As far as College Gameday, what other games are options on a loaded Sept. 26? Oklahoma goes to Georgia, but the Sooners have that loss now and are likely about to take a tumble in the rankings from No. 11. Oregon goes to USC, but the Ducks should drop significantly from No. 6 after a close Boise State win and a bad Oklahoma State loss.
Texas A&M vs. LSU has potential at a top 10 matchup, but Gameday will be going to LSU vs. Ole Miss on Sept. 19, so it’s very possible they don’t want to feature LSU in back-to-back weeks and be with the Tigers for the third time in the month of September (Gameday was at Clemson vs. LSU).
As such, Texas vs. Tennessee could be the logical alternative. And the eyes of Texas — and the rest of the nation — could be on Knoxville for one of the biggest games of the year for Heupel and the Big Orange.

